10/17/2026
THE CHURCH OF HORSEMANSHIP
Reverence.
We must have reverence for the space we keep with horses.
To enter their space without judgment of the horse and without judgement of ourselves and to observe ourselves and horses without judgment throughout our time together.
To be with horses in the most honest way is to maintain a meditative state, a gentle buzzing within the soulโฆ a vibrational energy seeking to find harmony with the horseโs energy.
Horses see us for who we are at our core, it can be quite difficult or intimidating to be invited to also view ourselves from this place but itโs important that we do so. To show up in our most enlightened selves is to provide safety, clarity, and harmony to horses. I learned this from observing small herds unhandled horses. My goal on those sunny Kentucky mornings was often to see how I could integrate myself into their space without disturbing them. To my surprise, many times theyโd lay down and roll. This was something, because putting pressure on to ask them to be haltered or even sent to catch pens brought about a frenzy of anxiety but yet, often I began the morning feeling the sun on my face and dew in the grass watching and being with these horses in a peaceful way.
This idea of radical acceptance and a nakedness of the soul has served me well with horses. The skills itโs brought about has allowed for an ease in conversation with horses. While not formal training per se, the ways of the horse is ingrained enough into my being that it makes communication efficient and trustworthy.
Now Iโm not saying everyone should go sit in a lawn chair in their pastures. What I am saying is take a moment before the meat of the session begins and be present. Be mindful. Practice non judgement and be open to feedback.
Most importantly, have reverence for the horse and the work. They are our greatest teachers and not just in horsemanship.
